Byzantine and Christian Museum

The Byzantine and Christian Museum of Athens, located on the Vassilissis Sofias Avenue, represents the best of Byzantine Art in Greece. Containing more than 30,000 artworks, including frescoes, sculpture, pottery, ceramics, textile, and jewellery, it was built in 1948 in Tuscan Renaissance style.

It is housed in Villa Ilissia, which earlier was the home of Duchess Sophie de Marbois-Lebrun, until her death. History lovers can know more about Crete, Serbia, Mystras, Bulgaria, and many more locations through art. There are three theme-based exhibitions in the garden, namely the Well Cistern about the water supply in Athens, Paradise about the Byzantine concept of paradise, and River Illinois about the river from its inception to modern times. There are also innumerable records, research, documents, wall paintings, and mosaic that talk about the history of the Early Christian, Byzantine, Medieval, and post-Byzantine periods from the 3rd century to the 20th century. Visitors can explore the permanent exhibition and learn about the ancient world of Byzantium and its transformation into the modern era. There are also 3d charts available for a real-time experience of the history. A cafe bistro is located in the garden area.